Identity and Accountability Are Themes of Brecht’s ‘MAN=MAN’

Bertolt Brecht’s “MAN=MAN,” a play inspired by silent cinema, clown and song, is currently being staged by the School of Drama, through Saturday, Nov. 1.

“MAN=MAN” tells the tale of a peaceable porter transformed by a gang of soldiers into a ruthless killing machine. The farce confronts issues of personal accountability and the value of individuality, exploring such questions as: Is one man as good as any other? At what cost do we betray our identity?

Performances of the play, which opened on Oct. 28, are in the New Theater, located at 1156 Chapel St. Performance times are at 8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, Oct. 29-31; and at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1. Tickets are $20; $15 for seniors and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.drama.yale.edu, by calling (203) 432-1234 or in person at the Yale Repertory Theatre box office, 1120 Chapel St. (corner of York).

The play is directed by Erik Pearson, the founding artistic director of The Quixote Project of San Francisco, where he directed “The Burial at Thebes,” “The Trojan Women: a love story,” “Oedi” and “Life Is a Dream.” He served as co-artistic director of San Francisco’s agitprop cabaret troop Rococo Risqué for its 2005-2006 season and for the Yale Cabaret’s 40th anniversary season. Other directing credits include “Pericles,” “If Found Please Return to Charles Darwin” and “Journey to Santiago” at the Yale School of Drama; “The Illusion” and “An Evening of Cabaret” for the Yale Cabaret; Nahum Tate’s “King Lear” at Shakespeare Santa Cruz; and many short films. The School of Drama student taught projection design while he was a lecturer at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and taught acting for the Marin Theater Company’s Conservatory. He also has numerous design credits.

The cast of 15 for “MAN=MAN” includes Eddie Brown, Eric Bryant, Rene Bystron, Carter Gill, Slate Holmgren, Alex Knox, Teresa Avia Lim, Christopher McFarland, Quincy O’Neal, Luke Robertson, Ken Robinson, Jordan Schneider, Erica Sullivan, Alex Teicheira and Liz Wisan. The performance features sets by Timothy Brown, costumes by Lisa Loen, lights by Marie Yokoyama and sound by Nathan A. Roberts.

For this production the School of Drama has created an online video blog that allows audience members to follow the creative process of the piece, including access to rehearsals and interviews with the creative team and cast. The blog is available at YouTube and Facebook.